The tower of Bidouane, an important defence system of St. Malo,
France, was built in the second half of the 15th century. What is unique
about the location of the town of St. Malo is the numerous rocks
protruding from the surrounding sea, especially in its North East
corner, between Fort National and the town itself.
Towards the
end of 1693, a fleet of thirty Anglo-Dutch ships appeared on the
horizon. Their purpose was to conquer the famous town of St-Malo, and to
do so, they brought with them a ship that contained a diabolic machine
that would break down the city walls. For two years it had been designed
and constructed under the orders of Prince William of Orange. The ship
was truly a monster, weighing 300 tons and measuring 84 feet in length.
It was well defended with its 23 canons. Its sails were ominous black,
and its sides were filled with powder, bombs and shrapnel. Just the
sight of the monster filled anyone with fear.
This same ship,
with the 29 other ships in the Anglo-Dutch fleet, was now approaching
St. Malo. The idea was for the other ships to bomb Fort National, while
this special ship would move in to destroy the walls of St. Malo. But a
turbulent wind from the west suddenly accosted the ship, causing it to
run aground on the rocks between Fort National and St. Malo. It
exploded, thanks to its own crew (They were determined to take over St.
Malo!), but it did not impact the city at all, as it was way too far
from the city's walls, and seeing what was happening, the other 29 ships
in the fleet turned and fled.
During all of this, the inhabitants
of St. Malo simply enjoyed their evening meal. They knew that the rocks
surrounded the city were their best defence. That diabolic ship filled
with gun powder would have no effect on that city at all.
"They
all ate and drank identical food and drink, meals provided daily by God.
They drank from the Rock, God's fountain for them that stayed with them
wherever they were. And the Rock was Christ." (1 Corinthians 10:4, MSG)
Why fear if we rely on the real Rock?
Rob Chaffart